Michigan Rivers Can Be Deadly – Follow These Tips to Stay Safe
I personally love rivers. There’s something about watching the current and the constant flow of water that’s just relaxing and beautiful. Michigan has plenty of fantastic rivers. However, Michigan rivers…
River flows through the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula boreal forest. The river flows from Kitch iti kipi spring into Indian Lake. Palms Book State Park, Manistique, Michigan.
I personally love rivers. There's something about watching the current and the constant flow of water that's just relaxing and beautiful. Michigan has plenty of fantastic rivers. However, Michigan rivers can be deadly. You have to be very careful when venturing out and follow certain safety guidelines.
The Newaygo County sheriff's deputies have taken to social media to post some things people should do to stay safe on Michigan rivers this summer. They've had to rescue people on their local rivers this season, which is why they decided to post a note about dos and don'ts on local rivers. I think that people assume rivers are safe, since land is so close by, whereas with some lakes, you can't even see the shore. But, Michigan rivers can be deadly, especially if you can't swim.
"This past weekend alone approximately 20 tubers were rescued from trees with several needing medical attention and being transported to a local hospital," the Newaygo County sheriff's deputies said on Facebook. "The river can be a fun and enjoyable trip, however can also turn tragic in the blink of an eye." They added that over the past two weekends, the Sheriff's Office River Patrol, DNR and local Fire Departments had to rescue about 50 people from the river.
Here are safety tips to follow from the Newaygo County sheriff's deputies:
1. Know your limits - a large number of the people needing rescued advise us they that cannot swim.
2. Plan for weather - if there is a chance of severe weather, stay home.
3. Do not tie tubes together - If one gets tangled in the tree, they all get tangled.
4. Stay in the middle of the river and away from downed trees near the shore.
5. Keep hydrated - NOT with alcohol.
6. Lastly, know the length of the trip, some of these trip may take hours depending on the water flow levels. (The river is not a lazy river and does not go in a circle) Do not miss your destination.
Everyone loves to talk about the Great Lakes, but what about the amazing rivers in Michigan? Over Memorial Day weekend, I went on a pontoon ride down the Grand River. It was so perfect outside, and watching the water ripple as the boat moved along was very relaxing. I had to watch getting sunburned, though. It's so much easier to get burned on the water than on land.
Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are very popular activities in Michigan along our rivers. But, even if you don't do either of those, just laying by a river on a warm, summer day can be fun. There are plenty of rivers that run through our cities, too, so chances are one is just a short drive away.
You know what else is great to do in the summer? Set up a picnic right by a river. Sure you might have to chase some mosquitos away, but laying on a blanket and having a picnic on the edge of a river is a very special activity.
Read on for 10 of the best rivers in Michigan. These are my personal picks, and I'm sure I left out some great ones. Reach out to me on social media with your top choices.
Best Rivers in Michigan
10. Jordan River
The Jordan River flows through the Jordan Valley, and it's really beautiful. People who love to fish trout will find lots in this river. It's also a very clear river, making it a beautiful spot for a picnic, and a moderately calm river, so it's good for canoeing.
9. Rifle River
Rifle River is a shallow river, so it's perfect for families. This river is located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. It's always a popular spot in the summer months.
8. Big Manistee River
The Big Manistee River is actually part of the National Wild and Scenic River system because of its clean water and forests. This spot is also known for picturesque views. It's a must-see spot for any nature lover.
7. Boardman River
Like the Jordan River, the Boardman is another great spot for trout fishing. The river runs a little over 28 miles and drains into the Grand Traverse Bay. Several other fish are also easy to find in this spot, including smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye.
6. Huron River
The Huron River goes through so many cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Detroit and beyond. There's something special about the nature feel of a river running through a bustling city. There are also good camping and picnic areas around this river.
5. Grand River
The Grand River runs along the southwestern portion of the southern peninsula of Michigan and flows into Lake Michigan. It's actually the longest river in Michigan and runs 252 miles. I've been on this river many times, and it's a favorite.
The Grand River is a Michigan favorite.
4. Detroit River
The Detroit River runs about 24 miles west and south, from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. It's also a strait in the Great Lakes system. The river is right between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. It's a landmark of the Motor City.
3. Pine River
Pine River offers exquisite views, as it flows through the Manistee National Forest. This is also a popular river for camping, and you'll find campgrounds all along the banks.
2. Platte River
The Platte River runs through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan and goes into Lake Michigan. It has a very gentle current, which is good for a variety of activities. There is lots of greenery around this river, too, making it lovely.
1. Au Sable River
The Au Sable River runs a whopping 138 miles through the towns of Grayling and Mio. It runs into Lake Huron at Oscoda. This is another prized spot for trout fishing and was even named a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
